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Rempang Island, a new engine to accelerate the national economy
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T
he Batam Development Agency (BP Batam, Batam Free Trade Zone Authority) continues to facilitate the relocation of residents affected by the construction of Rempang Eco City.
Chairman of BP Batam Muhammad Rudi gave an assurance that the local community would be involved in compensation discussions, saying that BP Batam would protect the human and cultural rights of the residents who have lived for generations on Rempang Island.
With this commitment, BP Batam will provide residents with compensation for the duration of their stay in temporary housing, while also expediting the construction of replacement houses in Tanjung Banun.
During the transition period in temporary housing, each family will receive a monthly living allowance of Rp 1.2 million per person and a housing rent allowance of Rp 1.2 million.
In addition, residents will also receive a type 45 house on a 500 square meter plot of land, built in an integrated area in the form of a cluster.
Along with the houses, Presidential Decree No. 78/2023 states that the affected community will receive compensation for land clearing, plants and business facilities, such as ponds, boats and livestock pens.
The value of all buildings and plants are calculated by the Public Audit Office (KJPP). Should community members possess a building that is worth more than the KJPP assessment, additional compensation will be provided according to the difference in the property value.
For residents who are currently not willing to relocate, Rudi said efforts to educate residents affected by the Rempang Eco City PSN are continuously carried out through humanitarian approaches.
The first phase of Rempang Eco City PSN, totaling an area of 2,370 hectares, affects 961 families. As of Dec. 6, 742 families have received education regarding the process, and 436 families have registered for relocation.
To date, 231 families have agreed to move to temporary housing, while 42 families have occupied their new houses in Tanjung Banun. The number will continue to increase sequentially based on the relocation schedule.
"BP Batam would like to thank Rempang residents who have been willing to support the PSN Rempang Eco-City. Through their support, it is hoped that the investment can be realized quickly and have a positive impact on Batam, especially Rempang Island residents," said Rudi.
The PSN Rempang Eco-City megaproject, an integrated industrial, trade and tourism area aimed at encouraging Indonesia's competitiveness with Singapore and Malaysia, will be worked on by PT Makmur Elok Graha (MEG) with an investment target of Rp 381 trillion by 2080.
"There are many benefits from the development of Rempang Island as the new economic engine for Indonesia, including increasing MSME business activities, employing local workers, equitable development and sustainable investment," he concluded.
